Complaint alleges Syrian man plotted attacks in name of ISIS
PITTSBURGH —
A 21-year-old Pittsburgh resident and Syrian refugee accused of planning an attack on a Christian church on the city’s North Side and providing resources to ISIS has been arrested.
Mustafa Mousab Alowemer, 21, was arrested Wednesday based on a federal complaint charging him with one count of attempting to provide material support and resources to ISIS, and two counts of distributing information relating to an explosive, destructive device or weapon of mass destruction in relation to a plan to attack a church.
Alowemer allegedly planned to bomb the Legacy International Worship Center using a weapon of mass destruction. The FBI said Alowemer thought he was plotting online and in person with fellow ISIS sympathizers, but they were actually undercover for the FBI.
When Legacy International Worship Center Pastor Michael Day received a call from the FBI, he was overwhelmed.
“I am grateful nothing did happen and I’m grateful that we are able to show that God covered us and protected us and that people are still alive, and that people are able to hug their children and loved ones,” Pastor Michael Day said.
According to the complaint, Alowemer was born in Daraa, Syria, and was admitted to the United States as a refugee on Aug. 1, 2016.
The complaint said he is a recent graduate of a Pittsburgh high school. Pittsburgh school records show a Mustafa Alowemer graduated from Brashear High School earlier this month. A Pittsburgh school spokesperson said education officials are cooperating with the FBI but declined further comment.
Read the statement from Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto following the arrest below:
“On behalf of the citizens of Pittsburgh I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their arrest today, and the daily investigative work they and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police do to protect us from acts of terrorism and hate.
“Today’s events are especially alarming due to the suspect’s alleged target of yet another place of worship in our city, like the Tree of Life synagogue, which should be peaceful places of refuge and reflection that are free of threats of violence.
“Pittsburgh has historically been a home for refugees and immigrants and will continue to be one. In debates over the refugee crisis the past several years, as people from around the world have sought to flee violence and misery and seek better lives for their families in the United States, I have always been consistent in our message: we welcome all refugees and immigrants, and we oppose hate against anyone in any form, and we also cooperate with law enforcement whenever legitimate and dangerous crimes are threatening us.
“Today, unfortunately, those threats come from everywhere. The record shows most terrorists attacking the United States are domestic, such as the man who murdered 11 Tree of Life worshippers in October. The City of Pittsburgh will continue to welcome newcomers to our city and nation, while diligently working with federal law enforcement and others to keep us safe, and to eradicate all attempts to threaten and terrify us.”
More at Source: https://www.wtae.com/article/pittsburgh-resident-syrian-man-arrested-on-terrorism-charges-after-planning-attack-on-christian-church/28108243
